Asparagus is a perennial and herbaceous plant that will reach the height of 100- 150 cm, with stout stems. Asparagus belongs to the “Asparagaceae” family and we can use it as both a vegetable and medicine. You can easily cultivate asparagus in sub-tropical and sub-temperate agro-climatic zones up to 1300 m. Generally, asparagus roots are grey and tuberous. Other common names for asparagus are “Satamuli”, “Shatavari”, and “Abhiru”. The plant of asparagus is native to the western coasts of Europe.
This vegetable is grown all over India. Usually, only young asparagus shoots are eaten and used to prepare many dishes worldwide. Purple asparagus differs from its white and green counterparts in lower fibre and higher sugar levels. This plant is the best companion for tomatoes, as the tomato plant repels the asparagus beetle. It is also useful for removing some of the harmful root nematodes that affect the tomato crop.
Process of Asparagus Farming in India
Starting commercial asparagus cultivation is easy and simple, just like growing other crops. Asparagus plants are very hardy and strong, requiring less care and handling. When you start growing any plant, you need to know the various essential sections that would be useful for profitable asparagus cultivation. The tractor is the most prominent farm equipment for every type of farming. For a reasonably priceable tractor, you can find a mini tractor price online.
Soil Requirements
You can grow asparagus in a wide range of soils. However, a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and well-drained soils rich in organic matter are ideal for farming. Applying lime in the soil is more acidic. Consider building raised beds on heavy soil.
Land Preparation
Plough about 20 to 25 cm deep, and after a few days, do 2 to 3 harrowings. Be sure to remove any weeds from previous crops, and the soil should be levelled to the proper level. Prepare a weir of about 45 cm wide for planting, leaving 20 cm cistern space as a channel for irrigation.
Nursery Raising and Planting
Farmers plant the Asparagus seeds in raised beds in April by 5 cm. They should sow the seed at a distance so that the onset of the monsoon erodes its hard seed coat. Germination starts 7 – 10 days after the first monsoon shower in June. You should transplant the seedlings on ridges spaced 60 cm x 60 cm and will provide bamboo poles as part of the training.
Vegetative propagation occurs by division of the rhizomatous disc present at the base of the aerial stem. The rhizomatous disc grows on various vegetative buds around the aerial shoot. You can divide the disc so that each piece has at least 2 buds and 2 to 3 tuberous roots. These pieces planted with 1 cm of soil interacting with the buds, followed by a light irrigation. Germination should begin 8 to 10 days after planting.
Irrigation in Asparagus Cultivation
Irrigation requirements depend on the climate, soil type and season. Generally, you irrigate after the end of the monsoon. This crop requires 2 to 3 irrigations in the winter season and 2 irrigations per month in the summer season. In heavy rain, ensure that you provide a good channel to drain the water.
Intercultural Operations
You should keep its beds weed-free and weed by hand instead of with a hoe, as the asparagus plant’s shallow roots can easily damaged. You should do two to three weeds during the rainy season and then once in 2 – 3 months. Mulching the beds to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth. Typically, male plants produce more and better spears, and most modern cultivars are entirely male. Female plants are effortless because they produce red-orange berries.
Manures and Fertilisers
You should cultivate them without any pesticides and chemical fertilisers in case of growing plants for medicinal purposes. Farmers should supplement the planting area with garden compost or well-decomposed organic manure, farmyard compost, vermicompost, or green manure. To prevent any pest and disease, prepare bio-pesticides from cow urine etc. The local horticulture department can obtain chemical fertiliser requirements for commercial crops.
Pests and Diseases
Fusarium Crown, Purple spot, Rust, Root and Lower Stem Rot, Phytophthora Crown, Beetle, Aphids, Root and Spear Rot, Cutworm, Armyworm, Rose Chafer and Asparagus Miner are the pests and diseases found in asparagus cultivation. Contact any horticulture department to identify these diseases and control measures.
Harvesting
Harvesting is not recommended for the first 2 years after planting. In the third year, harvest the spears for 6 weeks from mid-April. In later years, harvesting can be done from mid-April to 8 weeks. Cut individual spears with a sharp knife under the soil when they are no longer than 18 cm. In warm climates, harvest every two to three days for the highest quality spears. You can harvest these plants after 40 to 42 months in winter. Immediately after harvesting, the roots of the plants should be dug and peeled with a sharp knife.
For better cultivation and productivity, you should do asparagus farming in a modern way. The cultivation of asparagus required better tractors and implements while working on a large farm. Therefore, you can choose the AC Tractor because the air-conditioning system helps keep the driver comfortable.
For further information regarding asparagus farming in India, stay tuned with us.
